Why is a football shaped the way it is?

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The American football's shape is based on the shape of the rugby ball. The rugby ball is egg-shaped -- a little fatter than an American ball, with blunter ends to allow for better bounces for dropkicking. The American ball was originally shaped the same way, but it gradually became skinnier with points at each end -- shaped more or less like a torpedo -- after the forward pass was legalized and became an integral part of the game. Its current shape makes it more aerodynamic and easier for the passer to handle during his throw.
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